How many trillion Btu of coal did Indiana produce in 2005? If we told you 769.1, would you be impressed — or just confused? How about if we said that was more than all but five other states? A little more impressive.

Indiana’s coal capabilities and reliance on the fossil fuel for energy needs is not a secret. The state now has an opportunity to be a clean coal technology leader as development of a Duke Energy coal gasification plant in Edwardsport moves closer to reality.

The Energy Information Association has released additional data on energy production in 2005. Indiana ranked 24th in natural gas and 23rd in crude oil, far behind national leaders Texas and Louisiana in both categories.

Our state is not a participant in nuclear production, but the coal prowess puts the state 20th in overall production at 836.8 Btu.

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council provides the full story and tables.